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Henri's First Baby

Henri’s First Baby

Here is Henrietta a few days before she whelped with Christina. I loved both their smiles in this photo.

And two days ago, this happened. I wanted to share the snapshots we took of the firstborn puppy–not long after this little boy arrived. It is always a challenge to get photos of these tiny Weimar pups. They typically don’t cooperate.

Christina and I mostly whelped the pups. Cliff had…

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The Russian Connection

Gabriel (Livee X Blue) ~Gabriel and her Puppies

The Website Link

It was some time ago when we first met Ignor and began discussing a potential export of the first Blue Weimaraner to Russia. Eventually–we worked out the details. Knowing the trip would be very difficult, we insisted on a courier. Igor was gracious enough to work out a plan–we met the courier in Boise at…

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The View

~You Know What We Mean!

Stackhouse is beyond exhausted. The coming and going of the cousins and more recently our longtime friend Collin (along with his wife Lisa) had its ups and downs. He loved their attention–took them, but then they left. (Haha) Things are back to the boring norm—which is how we all need it to be, right?

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Vaccine and the Weimar

Vaccine and the Weimar

~We recommend the Titer Test

Henri

You might wonder if we follow our own recommendation–we do. Henri is coming up on her sixteen-week birthday. She is slated to have the titer test done at the Idaho Veterinary Hospital in Nampa thanks to Dr. Calhoun.

Click Hereto learn more about this inexpensive Titer Test option. This particular test is a relatively new option. I think Henri will be…

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Expert Advice

~ We Do What we are able Breeder Comment

Cliff and I get a lot of Email inquiries–most are from folks hoping we have a puppy that can make their dream come true. Others are from folks like Dale–seeking advice and making commentary on our blog. We cannot always offer the level of advice some need or expect. Recommendations are hard to give when we are not in the loop and time is limited;…

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Greetings

From Cliff and Shela Happy Thanksgiving

Cliff, River, Evangeline, and Shela –at the Nielsen Farm Summer 2018 Wishing You All The Best

We want to take this Thanksgiving holiday to send a note of appreciation to you–our clients, our readers, our followers, our friends, and our family. The OwyheeStar community would not be possible without you. It doesn’t matter that we put our heart and…

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The First Sunday

Of October      ~I saw reports

I saw reports of snow in certain locations. I am going to tell you that we (Cliff and Shela at OwyheeStar) are in no way ready for winter woes just yet. I ran across this photo in the archives, and it spoke volumes. A few weeks we will be talking Thanksgiving and then maybe snow along with expecting Christmas’s arrival.

It’s coming all too quickly. So, I think the…

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Water and Your Weimaraner

     ~Puppy Swim

Most of you know that we try to swim puppies–time and weather permitting. Above is a GoPro Video of a litter swim taken a couple of years ago. It gives you a different perspective. Some pups are excellent swimmers; others struggle a little. Nonetheless, we have never had a puppy fail to be able to swim. Does this mean they will naturally take to the water? No! If you expect them to jump and take off, you may be disappointed. It will most likely require work to get them into the water and swimming. This effort is work we hope you invest. We deem this an essential part of the puppy raising process.

The Why and the How

Over the years we have written extensively on how to achieve the swim. More and more of our clients have managed to do this. Sometimes to their own surprise. It is one of the best things you can do for yourself and the Weimaraner.

To expend energy. The growing Weimaraner has boundless energy; however, they cannot be beating the pavement to run off this energy. Until the growth plates close, you need to limit high impact exercise. Many experts agree that about three miles is the limit. Imagine how quickly the Weimaraner puts in the three miles. Seriously, about a mile into your run they have probably gone this far. Using the swim is the ideal way to exercise without causing damage to the growing joints. We would go so far as to suggest it probably helps your Weimaraner get more years and miles from their body. That is something that serves everyone’s best interest. We think you can agree.

Hunter or not you need to master the recall. You say what do you mean by the recall? That is coming when called. Getting the retrieve to hand is also a part of the recall. The rock solid come when you call or give a command–verbal or otherwise. The bringing of a bumper or toy back to you. Keep away it funny and laughable; however, we don’t feel this is ever in the best interest of the Weimaraner or you.

Cliff and I suggest you find an area where there is no escape route. For example–a hallway (closing all the adjoining doors) will work for this exercise. You want to make this an exciting event. Something that they look forward to doing with you. Sit down in that hallway and work on the retrieve at least every day. You want to ingrain the love of the retrieve as well as getting them to bring the dedicated item it to hand. This discipline will serve you well and help you achieve the swim.

The hallway exercise should begin as soon as they arrive. Make it an event–the same person, the same bumper or toy, and somewhat a routine. Five-Seven throws blocking the exit with your body. Toss and retoss keeping the excitement going. This activity should be fun, short-lived, and you want to stop while they are still excited. Once you have the rock solid recall—then you can move to the yard. You may need to use a check cord in the larger venue. If you don’t know what that is, ask us. It is a long line that attaches to their collar and allows you to reel them back to you. Always giving them praise like it was all their idea.

Why the Retrieve

The Weimaraner that is in loves the retrieve then can be worked along the water–at first shallow water. A pond or something similar is ideal. Slopping sides even better. That way they can play at the water’s edge and retrieve. Eventually, you can edge them out a bit, and they will take off and swim a couple of strokes. This process takes patience. You might wonder how long. Can we say it takes as long as it takes? Typically, Cliff gets the water-retrieve in two weeks or less. The rewards are almost endless. You can do this! Believe in the process. Stay optimistic. Keep it fun. Stay at it until you achieve success.

Running Companions

For the long distance runner, this is the best way to set the Weimaraner up as your running companion. The growth plates typically close around 15 months. By then you should have them swimming. The waterwork can keep your running companion in the tip-top shape you need as well as help them develop muscles which may help prevent injury.

To Burn Off Energy

For those less inclined or find themselves challenged to keep up with the Weimaraner, this is an excellent way to burn off the excess energy. The Weimaraner will still be able to join you on walks, etc. But tiring the Weimaraner out is challenging. The waterwork helps and does it without injury. Of course, there are other pros to having the water-friendly Weimaraner.

Imprinting the Idea

We swim the pups with the idea that it imprints this experience. If you wonder, the Weimaraner has webbed toes. There are hundreds of updates on our blog that feature OwyheeStar pups and adults enjoying the water–swimming, retrieving, and playing in it. We hope you will achieve the swim.

Here is Stackhouse — a strong swimmer

Cliff and Shela Water and Your Weimaraner      ~Puppy Swim Most of you know that we try to swim puppies--time and weather permitting.